Economic Outlook: – In 2015 the economy in the UK grew by 2.2%. It has a GDP of €2,569 bn, equal to €36,400 per capita. -The recent socioeconomic context is overshadowed by the Brexit. Investments during the period leading up to the referendum had slowed down and many have been put on hold in various sectors, resulting in a decline of GDP growth. – In an attempt to diminish the UK budget deficit, the governments have been reducing public spending the last 5 years. – The UK’s birthrate is 11.9/1000; comparable to France’s, and higher than in other BIG5 nations such as Spain (9.1) and Germany (8.9). The Healthcare System: – Healthcare spending as a percentage of GDP in 2015 was 9.1%, equivalent to €3,591 per capita. Despite spending below the western-EU average, the UK still manages to run one of the largest and cheapest healthcare services internationally. – Healthcare in the UK is devolved, where each member nation has their own system, administration and their own version of an NHS. – The funds available for hospitals in the coming years will not grow, but activity levels are expected to increase yearly by 2-3%. – Long-term health ailments represent 70% of the healthcare budget. – NICE provides independent advice and guidance in terms of the best medications and treatments to be used in the NHS. – There are 651 acute hospitals in the UK and approximately 141,400 acute hospital beds. Around 74% of the acute beds, equivalent to 104,890, are public. Healthcare Reforms: Recent regulations address – Provider regulation to support innovative services – Outcome-focused – Patient centricity – Clinical Commissioning Groups – NHS Commissioning Board (NHSCB) – General practitioners (GP) – Better Care Plan (2013) – New care model vanguard (2015) The Markets: – The UK market is the 6th largest healthcare market in the world. Over the next 3 years the market is expected to grow by 5% in value. – The UK’s strong and growing generic pharmaceutical market is the largest in Europe. In the public system it accounts for 25% in value and 75% in terms of volume. – In 2015 the market value of capital equipment was estimated around €410 m, medical disposables was estimated around €7 bn, and medical devices was estimated around €20 bn. – Negotiations for longer-term deals and services with providers are becoming more prevalent. – 85-90% of the market is supplied by imports. – Product efficiency and value for money are the principle success factors in the UK market. http://www.tforg.com/bi-store/store/united-kingdom-healthcare-scan-incl-surgical-procedures-volumes-specialisms-product-license/